[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               PAUL PECK

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to praise an 
extraordinary man, Paul Peck. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Peck 
through our mutual interest in the Smithsonian Institution.
  Mr. Peck has been an effective proponent of the civic process. In 
2002, Mr. Peck generously donated $2 million to enhance the National 
Portrait Gallery's presidential programs, allowing for educational 
resources related to the presidency. In the same year, the Portrait 
Gallery founded The Paul Peck Presidential Awards, the only awards in 
the United States to honor achievement in presidential service and 
portrayal. Last year, at the Third Annual Paul Peck Presidential Awards 
Ceremony, Mr. Peck gave a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech about 
the need for an increased awareness of American history and an 
increased level of civil participation in our country. Mr. President, I 
ask unanimous consent that Mr. Peck's remarks be printed in the 
Congressional Record.
  The Smithsonian is truly fortunate to have benefited from the 
dedication and intelligence of Mr. Peck.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

  Summary of Paul Peck's Remarks, Third Annual Paul Peck Presidential 
                                 Awards

       Hi folks.
       It's great to be here with you to honor two great 
     Americans: George Elsey and Brian Lamb.
       I have been asked many times why I joined with the National 
     Portrait Gallery to focus attention on the presidency.
       My answer is: I believe that ``Freedom is life and freedom 
     is rooted in democracy.''
       I believe that Americans are blessed,
       And we owe it to our children and grandchildren to pass on 
     this love of freedom and the means to preserve it.
       The founding fathers believed that freedom requires voters 
     who are knowledgeable, involved, and vigilant.
       Today, however, Fewer people vote, Fewer people seem 
     concerned about civic issues, and Fewer people are involved 
     in the civic, governing, and political process.
       Furthermore, we've cut back on teaching Civics and 
     according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 
     fewer than 25 percent of Americans have even a basic 
     knowledge of American History.
       If we allow this trend to continue, what will it mean to be 
     an American; and what happens to democracy because democracy 
     can't survive as a spectator sport.
       We can't continue this way. It's a roadmap to disaster and 
     I worry about the direction we're taking.
       I believe every citizen has an obligation to make things 
     better and I believe every citizen can make a difference.
       Here's how we're going to fix the problem.
       The presidency symbolizes the United States and represents 
     government to most people. Americans are fascinated with the 
     presidency and we're going to build on this fixation to 
     foster civic action, civic understanding, and reasoned 
     voting.
       Our civic action goal is to get everybody involved in 
     democracy whether through public service, governing, 
     politics, non- governmental organizations, or civic volunteer 
     activities. America was built on people coming together to 
     achieve great and honorable goals and we're going to re-
     create this sense of community, caring, and co-operation.
       As many of you know, I believe that our children are our 
     future. If they don't know what it means to be an American, 
     how do we preserve freedom, democracy, and the American way 
     of life?
       In 1954, Brown vs. The Board of Education made America 
     better; and voting and the right to vote grabbed children's 
     attention and led to lifelong civic involvement. What are we 
     doing today to spark a similar interest in freedom and 
     democracy in our children?
       As a first step in increasing civic action and 
     understanding, I intend to request that next Tuesday's 
     presidential election winner set aside one school day every 
     year to discuss American principles and encourage civic 
     engagement. It is my hope that government, industry, and 
     academia will encourage participation and provide time to 
     their employees to get involved and help us come together as 
     a nation.
       Please help me make this proposal a reality.
       In summary, you are our opinion makers. It's vital that 
     you: Strengthen our society, Promote civility, and Inspire 
     people to discuss issues and participate in the civic 
     process;
       Thereby promoting Lincoln's ideal of ``government of the 
     people, by the people, and for the people.''
       Thank you for coming.--Paul L. Peck, October 28, 2004

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